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Jay Patel
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About Jay
Biography
Jay Patel is a Former Prosecutor and a Former Law Enforcement Officer with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. After Jay was admitted to the Florida Bar, he served as a prosecutor in Okaloosa and Walton Counties from 2013 to 2017. As an Assistant State Attorney, he spent years prosecuting thousands of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, some punishable by life in prison.
Jay achieved success in prosecuting criminal cases that were before a jury, a judge, and the appellate court. Despite his success as a Florida Prosecutor, Jay decided it was time for a change. Thus, in 2017, Jay went from Florida Prosecutor to Florida Criminal Defense Attorney.
Since becoming a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer, Jay works tirelessly to protect his client’s Constitutional rights, ensuring that each of his clients understand the process, as well as making sure they are not abused by the Florida Criminal and Court Systems.
If a case must go to trial, Jay is ready. His success as an Okaloosa County Criminal Defense Attorney is validated by his record of “Not Guilty” verdicts in criminal jury trials, as well as complete charge and case dismissals.
Jay’s practice is devoted to solving problems, with a keen focus on Criminal Defense. If you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law, you are not in this alone. The first step is to contact Jay Patel, schedule a free consultation, and let him fight for you.
I am a Former Prosecutor and Former Law Enforcement. I want to put your Criminal Defense together.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
DUI and DWI
15%
Domestic Violence
15%
Sex Crime
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
Awards
2021 2020 2019
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 12 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Jay Patel Law, P.A.
909 Mar Walt Drive Suite 1011-B, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547
www.jaypatellaw.comJay Patel's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
56 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 41 - 45 of 56 reviews
Posted by anonymous | August 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Hired him for an emergency!
I was falsely accused of something if it wasnt for him it would have been a bad situation. I am still dealing with stuff but he brought in strong evidence that disproved my accuser. I definitely recommend him! He is still helping me! Great Attorney!
Posted by anonymous | June 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime
Good guy, excellent lawyer
I was facing a marijuana possession charge and other lawyers in the area were trying to charge me $3500-4500 to represent me. One lawyer spent 30 minutes on the phone with me telling me that it was very likely that I'd be facing jail time and tried using additional scare tactics to get me to hire him...
Posted by Ryan | June 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Very satisfied
Jay was great. He went above and beyond my needs and expectations for my case. I had a basic VOP which should have been cut and dry, but due to my history with the judge it turned out to be a 6 month drawn out process. I believe that his previous experience being a prosecutor helps a lot because he h...
Posted by Zack | June 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Best in the area
Jay went above and beyond what he needed to in order to help me. Available to answer all my questions whenever I asked.
Posted by Margaret | June 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Federal employee
Very accommodating. I needed representation for my son's case immediately, short notice. He was very attentive to his case and sympathetic to what my son was going through with the court system. My son is a vet and suffers from various medical issues that came from his service. My son tried to repres...
Jay Patel's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jay Patel for a number of years, professionally and personally, and I can definitively say, he will work tirelessly and put every ounce of effort he has into providing the best representation for his clients. His understanding and knowledge of the Rules of Evidence is enviable and that has come with years of experience, not studying or reading a book. He's the real deal when it comes to trial lawyers. His prosecutorial background makes him a great attorney for criminal defense, but his knowledge of evidence and background in business makes him a force to be reckoned with in the civil arena as well."
"Having worked a lot of cases where Jay was the prosecutor, I have seen up close how hard he works and how dedicated he is. Now that he is in private practice, I know he will defend his clients with the same level of skill. I highly recommend this attorney."
"Jay Patel will work hard to reach the best resolution for your case. He is an active member of local and statewide committees in an effort to enhance professionalism and the law for the benefit of his clients and community. I highly recommend Jay Patel for your criminal defense needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jay for several years and had the opportunity to see him grown and hone his skills. As a prosecutor, he was passionate and dedicated. Now in private practice, I have worked co-defendant cases with Jay and saw first-hand the highest level of advocacy and care for his clients. Jay embodies what it takes to be a successful criminal attorney. He is an aggressive and extremely knowledgeable advocate for his clients."
"Jay is one of the best lawyers I never want to have to hire. Methodical, organized, and overprepared Jay is one of the best Criminal Defense attorneys in the Panhandle."
"I have known Jay since we were both starting out as lawyers. Likely due to his law enforcement experience, Jay has always had a natural ability to dissect criminal cases. I have no doubt that he provides his clients with an exceptional defense in all criminal matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"Jay is one of the best Criminal Defense attorneys in town. He is a true professional and works diligently for his client's efforts."
"Jay is an exceptionally sharp attorney. He is very good at what he does. If I, a family member, or friend had need of a Criminal Defense attorney, I would trust Jay to give the best representation available. Additionally, Jay is a pleasure to work with and very likeable and approachable. I highly recommend him."
"Jay Patel is bright and upcoming lawyer in our community. He is a former prosecutor and a former law enforcement officer. Jay has all the skill sets to successfully represent criminal defendants."
"I highly recommend Jay for any criminal defense matters. I have recommended him to several clients, and all have had nothing but stellar feedback for Jay as their lawyer. He will continue to be my #1 recommendation for all things criminal defense related."
"Mr. Patel is an excellent advocate for his clients. His trial experience coming from the Office of the State Attorney and his knowledge of the rules allows him to effectively represent his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay is a passionate attorney. When you hire Jay you hire a fighter. He is very knowledgeable and is excellent in the court room."
"Mr. Patel is a hardworking, intelligent attorney."
"I endorse Jay. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Having known Jay for many years both personally and professionally his assistance with my client on an identity theft matter when he was a prosecutor was invaluable."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Client's Choice, Avvo
2020
Client's Choice, Avvo
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2013
Best Civil Trial Team - Trial Competition Course, Florida Coastal School of Law
2013
Pro Bono Award, Florida Coastal School of Law
2012
Book Award in Business Development, Florida Coastal School of Law
Work Experience
2013 - 2017
Assistant State Attorney, State Attorney's Office
2012 - 2013
Legal Intern, Office Of The State Attorney
2010 - 2013
Law Enforcement Officer, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office
Associations
2025 - Present
Okaloosa-Walton Bar AssociationPresident
2017 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
Okaloosa County Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2013 - 2024
Okaloosa Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
21CF3236 - Felony DUI Jury Trial
Not Guilty
17CT2619-DUI
Not Guilty
17CF283 - Felony Battery Causing Great Bodily Harm
Not Guilty
Education
2013
Florida Coastal School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2008
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2024
Association for Continuing Legal Education
Masters of DUI 2024
2024
Association for Continuing Legal Education
37th Annual Meeting
2022
Guest Speaker
Criminal Procedure
2020
Association for Continuing Legal Education
The Ethics of Communicating with Clients Via Text Messages
2020
Association for Continuing Legal Education
Coping with the Coronavirus: How to Reduce Stress and Stay Sane
2019
Guest Speaker
Criminal Topics - Live Debate
2019
Dangers of Social Media
Crime Awareness
2019
Association for Continuing Legal Education
Basic Personal Injury
2018
Destination UF
Community Service and Leadership
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I leave the state of Florida to go to Alabama for a great new job . while on misdm. probation . domestic violence battery ??
11 Mar 2019
Q&A
First time offender in Florida caught by fwc with 2 joints almost a gram what will happen court date set?
12 Jun 2017
Q&A
Does the charging document have detailed information not only about the charge but the preliminary evidence?
04 Jun 2017